Phrasal verbs are made when we use a main verb with another word (or words) to change the meaning of the main verb.
There are lots of different phrasal verbs with ‘get’. We’ll cover some of the most useful ones in this lesson.
Note: Remember, as for all phrasal verbs, phrasal verbs with ‘get’ are best used in spoken English and informal written English. It is often best to avoid using them in formal writing and even in some formal spoken situations (for example, you should avoid using them in Part 3 of the IELTS speaking test).
Phrasal verbs with ‘get’ examples
- get up to
- get on with (something)
- get on with / get along with (someone)
- get over (something)
- get over (someone)
- get rid of (something)
- get through to (someone)
- get out of (doing something)
- get away with (something)
- get at (someone)
‘Get’ (up to) examples
- get up to
1. What have you been getting up to lately? (do)
‘Get’ (on with) examples
- get on with (something)
1. Well it’s been nice talking to you but I really must get on with my homework now. (continue something you’ve started)
- get on with (someone) / get along with (someone)
2. I get on with Simon really well. We have so much in common. (have a good relationship)
Note: To express the same meaning, you can also say: I get along with Simon really well. We have so much in common.
‘Get’ (over) examples
- get over (something)
1. I have finally managed to get over this terrible flu. I’ve been sick for weeks but feel better now. (recover from)
- get over (someone)
2. I don’t think she will ever get over James. She loved him so much. (recover emotionally from losing someone)
‘Get’ (rid of) examples
- get rid of (something)
1. I need to get rid of a lot of my old clothes. They don’t fit me anymore. (dispose of)
‘Get’ (through to) examples
- get through to (someone)
1. I have tried getting through to him, but he just won’t listen! (make someone understand an opinion / successfully explain)
‘Get’ (out of) examples
- get out of (doing something)
1. I am going to try to get out of going to the meeting today. I’m so busy! (avoid doing something you don’t want to do)
‘Get’ (away with) examples
- get away with (something)
1. I hope he doesn’t get away with breaking that window. He needs to be punished! (escape blame, punishment, or undesirable consequences)
‘Get’ (at) examples
- get at (someone)
1. I’m sure the new boss doesn’t like me. She is always getting at me! (repeatedly criticise)